In his role, Spooner will drive the company’s development efforts in the region, overseeing the strategic growth of the brand in key markets and ensuring the engagement and retention of nearly 100 existing member hotels, in collaboration with a team of Regional Directors and other associates based in offices across eight gateway cities – Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo.

“Asia has seen a huge increase in the number of world-class independent hotels opening to compete head on with the global franchise chains, and I am delighted to join Preferred Hotels & Resorts during such a crucial time in the growth of the independent space,” said Spooner. “I look forward to working with the brand’s network of hoteliers who are among the region’s most innovative hospitality pioneers and helping to promote their properties that are genuinely unique in their design and service offerings, providing exceptional local experiences that are truly authentic to their respective destinations.”

Most recently, Spooner spent four years as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, leading the global sales and marketing efforts for the group’s 39 hotels, as well as managing the corporate teams across nine departments, specifically marketing, public relations, social media, regional sales, field performance, reservations, distribution and revenue management. Previously, while based out of London, he held senior-level sales and marketing roles with global or regional responsibilities for acclaimed hospitality brands such as Sanctuary Retreats, One&Only Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Spooner holds an MBA from RMIT in Melbourne, Australia and a B.A. in Hotel and Catering Administration from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Spooner’s passions include experiential travel, family, the environment. and conservation.

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 650 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Through its five global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The iPrefer guest loyalty program, Preferred Residences, Preferred Family, Preferred Pride, and Preferred Golf offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience.